Beth Deer was born with a condition called Optic Nerve Hypoplaysia but, somehow she was able to see normally until her high school years after choosing to get her eyes surgically corrected cosmetically. Since then Beth has gone on to move from the UK To Canada, gotten married, had two kids, and has become a major advocate for service dog users. On this episode join us for a detailed conversation about what separates pet dogs, from service dog, the do's and don't of what you can and can't do when...

Emilee Schevers was born with a rare genetic condition called Cone Dystrophy which has caused her to be colour blind and legally blind but, not completely blind. Emilee has always had a vision for creating more opportunities for members of the disability community, On this episode join us on Emilee's journey sometimes traveling two hours for lessons at W. Ross McDonald School, to studying Early Childhood Education, entering the pageant industry, to along with her sister creating TRU Faces an onl...

Alicia Grace Chenier has never let her size or the challenges she faces stop her from perusing her dreams. Diagnosed with a benign brain tumour as a baby which caused blindness in one eye and tunnel vision in the other Alicia has always wanted to change the way we see assistive devices. On this Episode join us on her journey from multiple surgeries to improve her quality of life, studying Early Childhood Education, to being inspired by the animated film How to Train your Dragon to work in the Vo...

Born with Retinitis Pigmentosa a genetic degenerative eye condition Ben Akuoko at first struggled with what to do once he finished high school due to low vision but after taking the colour personality test Ben recognized that he wanted to help other individuals in need, feel properly understood through social work. On this episode join us as we share Ben's journey toward creating more representation within the disabled and African American community. To follow along on his journey or to check ou...

Despite loosing his sight at a young age Kyle Coon has always had a desire to test the limits of adventure and athletics from running, to rock climbing and amateur wrestling. On this episode Kyle Coon shares his story of meeting Erik Weihenmayer the first blind person to climb mount Everest, being inspired him to compete as a Para Triathlete, becoming a two time Paralympian placing 8th in the 2024 games. The process behind writing his book Discovering A Life Without Limits and so much more. T...

Ray Charles, Steve Wonder and Deshaymond all of these individuals are musicians whom have had to overcome adversity to achieve there dreams in music. On this episode Deshaymond shares his journey from growing up in Growing up in Coonville, a rural, impoverished, neighbourhood that sits on the outskirts of Lafayette,Louisiana, studying music since the age of 5, to loosing his sight in 2015 do to Optic Atrophy and almost giving up on life itself to creating his first album "I Am its a true story o...

Life is about memories and moments the moment you take your first steps, score your first goal, or in the case of our guest the moment your discover your true passion. Daniel Romero first fell in love with broadcasting thanks to a toy FM microphone at the age of six and since then despite being blind Daniel has spent his 17 year career saying yes to many opportunities including playing base guitar for the group Midair Decision. on this episode we discuss everything from creating accessibility in...

February is often thought of as a month of love with Valentines Day or a time of historical reflection for Black History month on The Sit Down Stand out Show we will be focus on relationships business, personal or, relationships with one's self. This week we begin with the return of Melanie Taddeo who for the last two years has been working to provide accessibility and inclusion resources in South Africa with her organization Gaining Vision 2020. Find out how Gaining vision started, where it's ...

All her life Hajar Albattah-Thompson has lived her life visually impaired. Despite being visually impaired Haiar has always had a passion for learning new things which allowed her to receive a a bachelors degree of psychology and a minor in disability studies and Arabic language. From the University of Oregon. Hajar uses social media to educate others on how she lives her life. On this episode in honour of #Lowvisionawarnessmonth we discuss Hajar's journey from the school for the blind in Kuwait...

Despite being legally blind and being expelled from multiple schools do to undiagnosed ADHD Chris Mitchell has never allowed any labels that other have given him define who he is as a person. Chris has relied on his sense humour and the philosophy that the only opinion of you that matters is your own to become a successful blogger, author, and radio broadcaster. Chris went on to create the organization #DefineYourself an organization designed to help the disabled community to succeed. Be sure...

Life can change very quickly sometimes for the best, sometimes for the worst. Melanie Taddeo's life changed forever after suffering a stroke rendering her legally blind. Although Melanie lost her eyesight and the ability to become a visual artist she always saw herself becoming a teacher after years of hard work she became the first legally blind teacher to graduate in Ontario. Melanie has gone on to create a variety of opportunities for individuals with disabilities founding the Connect 4 Life ...